John "Jack" Reynolds

John F. (Jack) Reynolds, age 90, of Sun City, AZ., died Thursday, March 8, 2012. Jack was born March 29, 1921, in Escanaba, Michigan, the son of the late Edward and Lillian (Harris) Reynolds. After graduating from Escanaba High School, Jack attended Michigan State University and earned a B.S. in Business Administration in June of 1942. In December of 1942 Jack enlisted in the army and served in Australia and New Guinea. Upon moving to Phoenix, Arizona after the war, Jack met another Escanaba native, Dorothy Gustafson. They were married in Phoenix May 1, 1946 and shortly thereafter, moved back to Michigan. After fifty-four years of marriage, Dorothy preceded him in death December 20, 2000. On May 22, 2004, Jack was united in marriage to Margaret Eden in Sun City, Arizona. Jack’s career in insurance began in Escanaba as a claims representative for the Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company. With the Hartford Company, he progressed to positions in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois. He then took a position with the Wolverine Insurance Company in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1955. Wolverine was purchased by Transamerica Insurance in 1969. Leaving his position as Vice President/Midwestern Zone Underwriting Manager in 1974, Jack became President and General Manager of The Canadian Surety Company (a subsidiary of Transamerica) in Toronto, Canada. He returned to Battle Creek in 1975 and held management positions at Transamerica. His career culminated with a move to Los Angeles, California in 1983, where he served as President/Chief Operating Officer and then Chairman/Chief Executive Officer for Transamerica Insurance Group. He retired in 1986. In the course of his life, Jack contributed to many civic organizations and professional associations. He is a former Director of the Battle Creek Gas Company and the Advisory Board of Michigan National Bank. He has been listed in “Who’s Who in the Midwest” and “Who’s Who in America” and has been profiled in “U-P People”. Jack served two terms as a city commissioner in Battle Creek and served on the board of the Battle Creek Urban League. He was a member of Rotary International and a member and director of several country clubs, most recently Palmbrook Country Club in Sun City. Jack also gave time and attention to many insurance industry associations. One of Jack’s passions was golf and he continued to play into his late eighties. He was an accomplished bridge player and enjoyed the challenge of that game until very recently. He had a lively sense of humor and especially enjoyed jokes reflecting his Irish heritage. Those who knew him would undoubtedly describe him as kind and generous, always striving to do his good deeds anonymously. He was a wonderful example of how to treat your fellow man. In addition to his wife, Margaret, Jack is survived by his three children, Lois Janson, Peggy (Anthony) Ventura, and Michael Reynolds; four grandchildren, Paul Janson, Kate (Craig) Neely, Matthew (Jessica) Ventura and Daniel Ventura; and two great-grandchildren, Alessia and Francesca Neely; and many loving nieces and nephews and dear friends. Along with his parents and wife, Dorothy, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Edward and Nevin Reynolds, and three sisters, Margaret Reynolds, Eileen Doane, and Geraldine Jacob and his son-in-law, Roger Janson. Internment and services to celebrate Jack’s life will take place in Escanaba, Michigan at a later date. If friends or family so choose, memorial donations may be made to the Lillian H. Reynolds Family Scholarship Fund at Bay College, 2001 North Lincoln Road, Escanaba, Michigan, 49829; to Hospice of the Valley; or to any cause of your choosing.